Infos about the region Jämtland

The historical province Jämtland is located in the northwest of Sweden and consists of 3 geographical areas: mountains in the west, untouched forests in the east and an open cultural landscape around lake Storsjön, Sweden's fifth biggest lake. Historically and geographically, the cultural and linguistic connections to the neighbouring Norwegian region Trøndelag have always been stronger than those to the neighbouring Swedish provinces. As a result of this, and also because of the fact that Jämtland had been a nearly autonomous realm until 1470, and since the 1960s there is an independence movenment called "Republic of Jämtland". This movement achieved that today's Jämtlands county has an own president, as well as it has an own flag and an own language called "Jamska". Jämtland offers exciting activities in summer as well as in winter. In summer it well known for its long and beautiful hiking tracks and water sport facilities. Especially the trails "inlandsvägen" and "Vildmarksvägen", both leading through Jämtland's unique nature, are worth a tour. You will also find lake Storsjön in Jämtland, which is connected to the river Indalsälven. Here you will find excellent opportunities to canoe or for fishing, but also, the 38 m high waterfall Tännforsen is at the Indalsälven. In the mountains you can proove your climbing skills or do some exciting mountain biking. Those of you who always wanted to see mooses or bears in their natural habitat can also book a guided "safari" in Jämtland In winter, the province is a clear spot for winter sports: skiing, ice-fishing on lake Storsjön or dog-sleigh riding, everything is possible in Jämtland! But Jämtland does not only offer nature: every year there is the 10 day long music festival "Storjöyran", short "Yran", in Östersund. 300 000 people visit this festival every year. Those interested in culture will find Europe's oldest pictographical carpets in Överhogdal. Those carpets are the only ones remaining from the time of the vikings and are a great proof on how skillful the vikings could craft. The petroglyphs of Glösa, showing 45 elks, are already 6 000 years old. Those who want to know more about the culture of the Sami can visit a reproduction of a Sami encampment and have some reindeer dishes or fish from the mountain lakes and rivers. If you like wood and timber, you should visit Leif Wikner's huge crafting- and leisure park. What once began with a little carpenter workshop is now a real attraction with wooden art in all possible forms. If you can't decide between winter or summer holiday, staying in nature or in the city, being active and sporty or lazy and relaxed: Visit Jämtland, because here you can have all of this!